Unit One Chapter One – Civics Today US Government Unit One Chapter One – Civics Today

What is Civics? Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens.

The Need for Government What is a government? A government is the ruling authority of a community. A government has the power to make and enforce laws for its members or citizens.

The Need for Government Thomas Hobbs claimed that without government, people would compete for territory, resources, and power. Fighting, then, would be common place, and survival would depend on both strength and cunning. Government, therefore, can make it possible for people to live together peacefully and productively.

What are some key functions of government? 1. Governments help to keep order and provide security They make laws to help prevent conflicts among people and to settle conflicts that do arise They set up armed forces and agencies to defend citizens and their land from enemies 2. They provide services that would not be available without cooperation and coordination To keep the public healthy and safe, and help the needy

What are some key functions of government? 3. They guide the community by: Setting public policy A course of government action to achieve community goals Formulating budgets A plan for collecting and spending money Developing relations with the community’s neighbors and other outsiders

Levels of Government What are the levels of government in the US, from the broadest to the narrowest? The National (Federal) Government Has authority over the next two The State Governments Has authority over Local Must submit to Federal The Local Governments Must submit to both State and Federal

Government in the US The United States has a type of government that is known as a democracy. This type of government rests the power in the hands of the people, not a single ruler, or even a group of rulers. The word “democracy” comes from the Greek words: Demos = people Kratein = to rule Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democracy

Government in the US The United States is not a direct democracy Meaning that, unlike ancient Athens, all citizens do not meet and debate government matters and vote firsthand Citizens in the U.S. choose a smaller group to represent them, make laws, and govern on their behalf This is known as a representative democracy

Government in the US Democracies have free and open elections Everyone’s vote carries the same weight One person, one vote All candidates have the right to express their views freely Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum Citizens may vote freely by secret ballot, without fear of punishment

5 Fundamental Principles of American Democracy Rule of Law All people are bound by law Limited Government The government may do only what the people give it power to do Consent of the Governed Citizens are the source of government power And that, by voting

5 Fundamental Principles of American Democracy The people rule 5. Representative Government People elect their leaders

America’s Citizens The US Constitution (The Supreme Law of the Land in the United States), establishes two ways to become a citizen: By birth A process called naturalization (for foreigners)

America’s Citizens You would automatically be a citizen if: You were born in a state, D.C., in an American territory, or on a US military base overseas A child born abroad to American parents may hold dual citizenship Children born on US soil to non-US citizens can acquire citizenship (except foreign diplomats). American citizens hold their citizenship for life, unless they choose to give it up.

America’s Citizens Naturalization Process Noncitizens (aliens) may become naturalized citizens They may apply for citizenship after living in the U.S. for 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) Then they will have an interview with and INS agent (Immigration and Naturalization Service) Then they can take the citizenship exam If the INS decides to grant citizenship, the new citizen pledges allegiance to this country in a ceremony The U.S. restricts the number of immigrants who can enter the country. Preference goes to relatives of U.S. citizens and people with needed skills

America’s Citizens Every U.S. citizen today is a product of immigration Today, Latin America accounts for the largest share of newcomers, followed by Asia Hispanics are the fastest-growing ethnic group

America’s Citizens Americans are ethnically diverse 65% - Non-Hispanic Whites 16% - Hispanic 13% - African American 5% - Asian 1-2% - Native American American culture is a rich blend of various influences